Pool Noodle Towers: Preschool STEM Activity

Have an old swimming noodle or two laying around? This preschool STEM activity is the perfect way to recycle them!

Here is another fun and easy STEM activity that only uses TWO ingredients: pool noodles and toothpicks! Kids love building towers, but how cool to build with a new material?

Using different materials to achieve a goal requires higher level thinking and analysis of the materials.

Be sure to talk about how to safely work with toothpicks!

How to Prep:

Use a kitchen knife to slice an old pool noodle into pieces 1-2 inches thick. I just eyeballed it – it’s okay if they aren’t exactly the same.

Then grab some toothpicks. THAT’S IT! Guaranteed that your little learner will be occupied for quite some time.

After you build the tallest tower you can, then use the materials to make other creations: Fitz tried to make a man and a car. He even used the toothpicks as legs to make the man “walk”. 🙂

Why we love this activity

• Using a new building material is intriguing and engaging
• STEM activities require creativity and critical thinking
• Independent play = some downtime for Mom!

Does your little one enjoy tower building? If so, try out this new version!

Be sure to check back often for new easy, at home learning ideas and follow me on Instagram for more preschool STEM ideas and see them in action!

You may also like: Building a Maze, Egg Drop, and Building Rainbows